Tires are an important part of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s tires are the only things that touch the road. They help you to brake, accelerate, and turn while traveling. There are many tire options out there designed for every type of vehicle, and deciding which tires are right for you can be a difficult decision.

Tire Size

The most important factor in picking a tire is the size. If the tire does not fit on the wheel or does not fit in the vehicle’s wheel well, then you cannot drive the car. You should buy the factory recommended tire size. The correct size will be indicated in your owner’s manual.

Tread

The tread is the part of the tire that provides traction with the road. There are several different types of tire treads out there, and each one is for different weather and road conditions. There are off-roading tires, snow tires, mud tires, all-purpose tires, and more. Any type of specialized tires will work best when used in the proper conditions, but all-purpose tires are usually the best choice for everyday use. Also, you need to consider the lifespan of tires. Different tires will last different amounts of time. Longer lasting tires often cost more. To determine how long a tire will last, look at the manufacturer’s projected life span. Also, you can look at the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG). Both ratings can be found on the sidewall of the tire or by a salesperson.

Ride Quality

The ride quality often depends on the size of the sidewall of the tire. The sidewall is the part of the tire that does not come in contact with the road. Low profile tires, or tires with shorter and stiffer sidewalls, often provide a harsher ride. Although some people prefer the look of low profile tires, they sacrifice ride quality.

Speed Rating

Although almost everyone would like push their car and reach terrific (legal) speeds, most people probably do not need to spend the extra money for tires that are rated for extremely high speeds. Cars used for everyday use are usually best with a V-rated tire. A V-rated tire can travel up to 149 mph. If you need a tire that has a higher rating, you will be paying more money.

Noise

Some tread designs create more noise than others. If you are doing most of your driving in the city at slow speeds, you do not need to worry about tire noise, but if you spend a lot of time on the highway you may want to talk to a tire expert about what brands and treads are quieter.

Choosing the right tire can be a tough decision, but the main thing that you need to think about is how you are using your car. If you have any questions, you can always ask the salesperson about which tires will be best for your vehicle.

What tires do you usually buy? How long do you drive on one set of tires? Leave your comments in the box below.

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